On Aug. 8 the National Grange released Charles M. Gardner’s out-of-print historical account of the organization’s first 80 years, “Friend of the Farmer 1867-1947” as a Kindle download available through Amazon’s Kindle Store.

The digital version of the 1949 volume has 531 pages, including index, illustrations and an appendix.

“We are very excited to release to the public this fantastic history of the first 80 years of our Order,” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said. “Gardner’s volume is one of the most comprehensive and interesting books on the Grange, the climate and culture in which it was started and worked, and the biographies of its most significant members.”

Luttrell said the National Grange is working to make the e-book available in other markets and formats in the coming weeks. They also expect to produce several other volumes in digital format, including the 1966 “First Century of Service” and the 1984 book “People, Pride and Progress.”

“These books tell a very interesting history of the American people, spirit and culture,” Luttrell said.